by Lauren Dane
“He’s right. And the optics of it serve you as well,” Rowan said.
“You’ve done enough, Rowan. Stop interfering,” Clive told her.
She laughed in his face. “Fuck off with that. You’re not the boss of me. Or of your dad. Because he’s right. This is his line to protect and serve and yes, to kill for. More than yours, as it happens. And it looks good. You can’t deny it makes the entire House look better when you and your father fight back-to-back.”
“These are my parents,” Clive said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I cannot believe I’m hearing you advocate for him joining me in what I must do next.”
Charles scoffed in the background but before Clive could address his father personally, Rowan broke in.
“What about all that stuff you told Roderick earlier? Your father is a warrior. That he ran the line and the House with honor and strength. You need to let him do that and remember he’s not some doddering old guy. He’s an ancient Vampire. You got all that ferocity from him and your grandpa. Your mom’s no slouch either, but the battles she’s won haven’t been written about by the bards. This is more Vampire than anything else I can think of. Father and son, side by side. Protecting the future of House Stewart. This is necessary.”
Clive looked at his father. Charles Stewart. He was indeed an ancient. A full-blooded Vampire born for this. Born to lead.
Rowan gentled her tone. “I need you to survive tonight. And I need you to trust me to help you. No one on this planet knows Theo better than I do. And I’m telling you, this is the way to do it.”
He hated it when she was right and he was going to have to admit it in front of everyone.
* * *
On the drive to Arthur’s town house in nearby Mayfair, Clive conferred with Alice back in Las Vegas. In turn, she’d notify Warren to stand by for an updated action plan from Clive. Genevieve and David were still at Rod’s place running a roof to floorboards investigation. Star had elected to stay there and since Rowan trusted her judgment, she didn’t complain. She was sure David would make certain the dog had plenty of food and water and positive encouragement as she worked alongside them.
After sunrise when this bloody business was over, Rowan would check in again with Susan at the Motherhouse and then file her execution report on Rod and Chauncy. David was already working on a search of anyone connected to Rod and his little business. Once they found those connections, Rowan would snuff them out as well.
For the time being, London was quiet except for the creatures who thrived in darkness like DJs and Vampires.
They’d chosen Arthur first because Thomas lived in a house a little further out. Genevieve had given Rowan a small glass globe she’d spoken into and explained it was a spell to knock out electronics so there’d be no opportunity for Arthur or anyone in his flat to warn Thomas.
“Drop us here,” Clive said, pointing to the curb next to a small, gated neighborhood park.
Rowan scoffed, “I’m coming with you.”
“No you aren’t and not because I don’t think you’re capable. Obviously you are. This is Nation business. You’re a Hunter. You’ve already served warrants of execution on two Vampires tonight. One from a very old family. If you come in now it only complicates matters. Watch the back of the flat. If anyone escapes, you’re free to execute him.”
She frowned, knowing he was right. Stupid politics.
“I’m taking you at your word so don’t come crying to me once I slay some asshole running from the scene,” she told him with a wag of her finger she knew would get his back up.
“I’d never dream of such a thing. You’ll also be here to keep watch and let us know if we’re about to be interrupted.”
“Can I kill someone coming to the door to interrupt you?” Rowan asked, feeling sulky.
He gave her a look that made her want to blush and giggle all at the same time. “If the interrupting Vampire needs killing, yes. I trust your judgment.” Unspoken was the use it at the end of the last sentence.
She had lots of judgment. Good judgment. She even used it most of the time.
With one last look at her to underline his point, Clive and his father melted from the car and into the night like shadows.
* * *
While she waited and kept watch, she called to check in with David but before the call connected, she spotted a very familiar best dog in the world just scampering up the sidewalk headed toward her car.
She opened the door, Star scrambled inside, over Rowan’s lap and into the passenger seat.
“Hi there.” Rowan scratched behind Star’s ear until the dog made a growly sound of pleasure. “You’re very helpful. We’re keeping watch in case unsavory characters approach the house where Clive and your grandpa are doing their business.”
Star shook herself and settled, still sitting, this time, her paws up on the dash as she scanned the area.
It hadn’t even occurred to her to wonder where or how the dog had known to come.
Rowan called David to check in. “Star just showed up so I figure you two were close to done,” she said. “What’s your status?”
“We just finished. Genevieve says to tell you she’ll get all the information we’ve gathered into a report that she’ll send to you. Or see you when she wakes up because she’s staying at the house?”
Oh. Well. Rowan figured it would be the right thing to do as Genevieve had flown across the ocean to help out. And she had been a huge help so letting her crash in one of the myriad bedrooms at the house seemed a fair exchange.
“I guess so. Can you please give Betchamp a quick call to be sure one of the rooms is prepared for her? Or if you want her in the mews with you that’s fine. I don’t care one way or the other. It’s a big ass house with plenty of beds.”
“Just so. Would you like Genevieve and I to go to the other uncle’s house to surveil until you arrive?”
She didn’t even have to tell him to be careful not to get caught. They were both good enough that they could watch without trouble so she took him up on the offer and hung up.
Before she could call anyone else, Charles approached the car and while he was her father-in-law and she was totally in love with her husband, there was a moment when she caught sight of the elder Stewart striding through the darkness toward her that made her heart skip a beat. He had a look on his face—what she could see through the blood that seemed to coat every part of him—that signaled he was a badass and was not to be fucked with. No suit that night. Instead he’d worn dark cargo pants and a long sleeved shirt. His close shorn hair hadn’t needed to be tied back from his face, but it hadn’t been spared the blood spatter the rest of him had received and still he looked every inch the ancient warrior he’d been for centuries.
But when Clive came up, his gait bringing him to his father’s side, all her heartbeats belonged to him.
Grief and rage still churned through their bond. They were done here, and would go to the next place and repeat what she was sure had been a terrible and necessary act.
He gave Star a pointed look when he opened the passenger side door so she jumped out until he’d gotten settled and then hopped back up and into his lap.
“Um, so?” Rowan asked.
“It’s done. Tomorrow, House Stewart will come clean the empty town house of all the ash and blood. This property is owned by the House so we’ll either rent it or sell it.” Clive shrugged. “When did Star show up?”
Rowan pulled away from the curb and headed for Thomas’s place. “Star, meet your grandpa. Charles, this is Star. My dog. Familiar. Whatever. She’s a magic dog who has a habit of popping in and out at will. She’s obviously the most gorgeous and smart dog in the world so I’m sure you’ll love her.”
Clive sighed, putting his head back against the seat. Star licked his chin and Rowan knew she hadn’t imagined the ghost of a smile on his mouth.
Rowan wanted to ask for an update but knew it wasn’t the time. Knew from Clive’s demeanor that he was still processing it himself. And knew, too, that Charles just had to kill one of his brothers. It wasn’t easy, even when the person you had to kill was a total fuckhead.
Thomas’s house was far more opulent than Arthur’s town house flat. The stone mansion was surrounded by a tall wall in matching stone. Iron gates barred entry to the drive leading up to the front door.
None of that would stop them. Especially as Clive had the codes and they had a witch with them who could toss some sort of obfuscation spells around their entry.
Rowan wanted so badly to invite herself inside to help. Wanted to be part of the interrogation before the execution. She was hands on with that sort of thing. But she knew this was House Stewart business. Vampire Nation business. If she was with them it would only complicate matters and all the other stuff Clive had said, blah, blah, blah. So she kept her mouth shut while Clive and his father tapped into the security system and shut it down.
Genevieve texted that she’d done some sort of magical whatsit that would cloak their approach and keep any calls or signals from leaving the house.
With a nod of thanks, Clive and his father got out and went off to do their rather unpleasant but necessary task.
* * *
He came out alone just as she’d been talking herself out of going inside to get Clive to pay attention to the impending sunrise.
She waited, watched in the blue gray pre-dawn light as he appeared to shoulder the whole world.
“I’m going to get home on my own. I’ll be there by sunrise. Please go. I’ll see you shortly.”
He kept his distance and though it frightened her a little, she let him.
“Okay.” There was more she wanted to tell him but it wasn’t the time. So much more, but she figured he knew it anyway.
He nodded and turned, walking away until she called out, “Clive?”
He paused, turned to look over his shoulder at her. “Yes?”
“Come home to me.”
“Always.”
He was gone in two steps, melding into the shadows, manipulating light to hide his ascent.
Rowan gave Star a look as she started the car. “Let’s go home.”
He wasn’t there when she arrived so she headed from the back door to his bedchamber.
“He’s done this a few times before. I’m being stupid,” she muttered to herself. He had, of course. He had over four centuries of life as a Vampire under his belt. He’d either get home in time, or stay at his parents’ house until sunset.
Rowan figured that’s where he’d gone. To be sure his father had gotten home safely and to...that’s where she got a little fuzzy. It wasn’t like she had a lot of experience with this stuff. She doubted there’d be an overt show of emotion from father or son. But it would be there, just under the surface. Maybe he needed his mom or a hug?
Yeah. Maybe he just made sure his dad got home and then would be home to her.
She’d given up the pretense of puttering and deposited herself outside where she knew he’d land. Maybe she could make a cup of tea or something.
* * *
Finally he touched down and when he saw her, he moved, eating the ground in three long strides until he was close enough to touch.
He did. Embracing her. Breathing her in. Soaking in her warmth and vitality.
She waited for him. That crushed the walls he’d built after the events of the evening. The fact that he had this creature waiting for him, worried for him, it was more than he deserved.
“Sun is so close. Come on.” She tugged him inside and they hurried to his bedchamber. “Your hair is wet,” she fretted as he changed into the pajamas he preferred.
“I cleaned up at my parents’ place.” He hadn’t wanted to come home with the violence and gore all over him. Had needed to wash it off before he saw her.
Silly because he knew she never judged his nature. She approved of what he’d done that night. For all the right reasons. For reasons he had been too tangled up to really understand until everything had been done.
His father at his side had been the right thing. She’d known it. Had risked his anger without hesitation. Most likely with some glee. And as House Stewart, they’d face the Vampire Nation and Warren as the Scion of Europe.
He’d talk to her about it when he woke up. Confess some of the worst things he’d found out from his interrogation of his uncles. Not then though. He needed her then. Needed that small moment of peace before he went to rest. God knew she didn’t need any more grief.
“Can I lie with you until you sleep?” she asked.
“I’d very much like that.” He pulled the coverlet back so she could slide in.
His last memory before falling under the surface of daylight was of Rowan’s body against his, her heartbeat a soft thump in his ears. Safe. Home.
Chapter Twelve
Rowan looked up from her screen to catch sight of Genevieve sliding into the seat across from her at the table. Sunlight warmed the kitchen, fooling those who didn’t have a life of violence into a lazy sort of happiness.
But Rowan did have a life of violence and she’d spent the last hour communicating with Susan after she’d filed her warrant and execution papers for Roderick.
Usually it was slightly easier but they had to hold back informing the Vampire Nation until Clive had done the same, so they would back-burner notification until after that.
“How are you today?” Genevieve asked when Rowan closed her laptop.
“Tired. Annoyed at Vampires. How about you?”
“Same. Though I’m also tired of witches. I spoke with the Conclave Senate to report to them about what we’d found. The Vampire you killed last night had a house full of illegal objects and spells. He couldn’t have gotten them without help from witches. Even though several dozen witches have been kidnapped and drained until they’re dead, there are witches working with the Blood Front to help whatever is behind this entire thing. It makes me very angry.”
“What does the Senate say about this?”
“They’re angry too. Some don’t want to believe that there are witches who are part of this conspiracy but the rest know there’s nothing else to point at but that. This material Roderick had wasn’t entry-level magics. Not dick hard spells or money spells. Trap and siphon spells like he had were created by more than one witch and after some blood sacrifice. Which also points to an older, more experienced magic user. They want me to continue working with you and Hunter Corp. on this. You have the expertise and the blade. I can get your back with magic.”
Rowan said, “We need to know exactly what all this is for. I mean, I get that we’re talking about sending power to one being. But why? And who? What? This isn’t just some run-of-the-mill situation where supernatural beings have gone out of their lane to get more chicks and cash. This is something bigger. I’ve been wracking my brain thinking about the possibilities but coming up empty. Witches are involved but this is far more than making extra money on the black market. And why attack me personally the way they have? In the past I’ve generally stayed out of witch business unless it was too egregious so it’s not like the way Vampires feel about me. Certainly, the Blood Front is capable of doing this for their own ends. But there’s someone else they’ve been helping. That much is clear from everything we learned so far. So, what and why are the things I keep coming back to.”
“Yes. I’ve been thinking the same.”
“This feels...new? Unique? I don’t know.” Rowan shook her head and forked up some of the chicken salad Elisabeth had dished up fo
r her a few minutes prior. Amazing. “If it’s not a Vampire or a witch then what is it? When Carl was with me, he quoted Shakespeare. The line about how there were more things under heaven than people dreamt of. So does he mean an entirely new thing? Because I do not support that at all. We have enough things to juggle. An entirely new threat? Ugh. I vote no.”
Genevieve snickered before thanking Elisabeth for the mug of strong black tea and the plate of fruit and chicken salad. “I don’t know about new. I’m old enough to have seen lots of things people called new but were really just the opposite. Very old. Some old things fade. Some old things learn how to hide better so we forget. There’s power in forgetting. And there’s a loss of power too. Like when beings of power lose worshippers and then their own power and place in time wanes.”
“Sure. Like that’s comforting? It’s some lost toy of a demigod or something?” Rowan sighed heavily and then got back to the day ahead. “Today we need to go to Arthur’s town house and Thomas’s house to do a roof to floor search. There are missing pieces so let’s see if any of them are hiding there.”
“I’m ready whenever you are. After we finish eating, naturally. Elisabeth is a very fine cook so I don’t want to waste anything on my plate.” Genevieve smiled prettily at the other woman.
Star trotted in with Betchamp. “Ms. Star and I had a nice walk. I let her set the direction as she had very definite opinions in the matter,” he said to Rowan.
Star had gone to her bowl to noisily slurp up what sounded like five gallons of water.
“Next time stay hydrated,” Rowan said as the dog came over to say hello. “You wanted to go check something out, huh?” She looked up to Betchamp. “Where’d she take you?”
“Very near the Tower of London.”
When Rowan’s brows flew up and she was about to ask if they’d actually walked all that way, he spoke again.
“Funny thing. Star and I were walking and walking and walking and just as I was considering a cab, one pulled up next to us. The driver was an odd sort but he did enjoy Star. He told me to roll her window down so she could sniff the London air. And then your brilliant dog barked when she wanted the cabbie to turn or slow. A few blocks down from the main entrance to the Tower we got out and she pulled the leash hard to get my attention. We walked to and fro. She left her mark in several places.
